Noticias

Former Manville Police Chief Thomas Herbst was sentenced to seven years in state prison after his conviction on sexually assaultive and inappropriate activity, giving the embattled New Jersey’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability a rare legal victory.

Jurors believed allegations that Herbst spent thirteen years groping, exposing himself, and sexually harassing police department employees, behavior that involved a “violent sexual assault” on the primary victim.

The 57-year-old Herbst was also convicted of soliciting sexual favors from the wife of a police officer in exchange for favorable employment decisions and advancements, including a demand for oral sex from the subordinate’s wife in exchange for a promotion.  The jury also found that Herbst “demanded sexually explicit photos of a different subordinate’s wife in exchange for a schedule change.”

Superior Court Judge Peter Tober ordered Herbst to serve roughly six years in prison before he’s eligible for parole, and said he must register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law.

Herbst was convicted in February after a three-week trial.

“The defendant’s abuse of power inflicted lasting damage to his victims’ lives,” said Attorney General Matt Platkin. “Today’s sentence brings some measure of justice to the victims and the community. My office will continue to work to bolster public confidence in government, to ensure the safety of all, and to combat sexual offenses in all forms.”

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The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission disbursed about $1 million in matching funds to each major nominee for governor on Monday, according to a press release. 

ELEC disbursed $1,088,374 to Republican former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli and $1,075,525 to Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), according to the announcement. 

Ciattarelli and Sherrill are about 32% of the way to the $12.5 million matching funds cap. Each has so far received a little more than $4 million in public funds.

Candidates may receive up to $12.5 million in public funds, subject to a $2-for-$1 match, in the general election. That comes with a $18.5 million spending cap, though super PACs and independent expenditures can continue spending to support their favored candidate. Candidates must raise $580,000 to qualify for matching funds.

Sherrill and Ciattarelli are the only candidates to qualify thus far; a third-party candidate would have to raise $580,000 by Sept. 2 to qualify.

ELEC distributed over $37.5 million in matching funds in the primary election, a record-setting amount.

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Officials from Englewood Cliffs and a South Korea-based technology company signed an agreement to improve investments in infrastructure and education in the borough.

Mayor Mark M. Park and officials from LG CNS America signed the non-binding memorandum at LG’s U.S. headquarters in Englewood Cliffs late last month, according to a press release. The “outines intent to explore” STEM education and internships, infrastructure solutions for traffic and energy, and expanded grants.

“This [memorandum of understanding] represents more than a document, it represents momentum,” Park said. “Together with LG CNS, we are setting the foundation for Englewood Cliffs to become a beacon of responsible innovation where smart solutions serve public purpose and technology empowers people.”

LG CNS America is the U.S.’s branch of the South Korean tech company that offers service in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data systems.

“LG CNS is honored to partner with Englewood Cliffs to shape a smarter, more resilient future,” said Jun Ho Lee, president of LG CNS America. “Our shared goal is to demonstrate how global technology can uplift local communities and create a scalable model for innovation across the country.”

The Englewood Cliffs Council approved the agreement in June.

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Acting Gov. Tahesha Way signed a pair of bills on Monday to protect individuals seeking treatment for substance use, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

“It is important to protect individuals dealing with addiction,” Way said in a release. “We must ensure proper treatment without exploitation by holding providers accountable and implementing strong safeguards. Too often, vulnerable people are targeted by those who prioritize profit over care, which is unacceptable.”

Gov. Phil Murphy returns from two weeks of out-of-state personal travel on Tuesday afternoon.

The first bill, A3973, targets the practice of “patient brokering,” where individuals or groups accept kickbacks to refer people struggling with addiction to specific treatment centers. A 2024 report from the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation spurred the bill. The law allows fines of up to $50,000 per offense.

“Families deserve to know that their loved ones are being referred to treatment centers for the right reasons, and just as importantly, that those seeking help aren’t being misled by deceptive and unethical schemes,” said Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli (D-Hopewell Twp), one of the bill’s prime sponsors. “That’s why these bills are so important, cracking down on exploitative practices that prey on people in crisis and ensuring patients have access to accurate, honest information, not false promises that stand in the way of recovery.”

The second bill, A3974, prohibits “deceptive marketing practices” by addiction treatment centers. The legislation authorizes fines of up to $20,000 per violation. 

“Treatment for substance use disorder is a lifeline for those grappling with addiction, and it is reprehensible that patients are being exploited by dishonest marketing tactics in moments of vulnerability,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “These practices too often put a roadblock on the path to sobriety for those who need help, and must be curbed if we are to effectively treat substance use disorder.”

Jeff Brown, the acting commissioner of the state Department of Health, said the bill will hold accountable those who exploit people suffering from addiction.

“New Jersey is sending a clear message that we will not tolerate predatory practices toward individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorder,” Brown said. “It’s critical that New Jersey’s health care facilities serving these individuals advertise their services honestly and truthfully. When they don’t, they should be held accountable.”

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